BRADNINCH 2 - SPREYTON 0

AS it was our first competitive game away from home the chances weren’t coming as quick and as fast as we are accustom to on Saturday, September 23.

The first half was a tough-fought battle with chances mainly coming Spreyton’s way with Matt Baker not getting the ball out of his feet quick enough to get it in the net. Bradninch cleared their lines and 10 minutes later the ball came over from a corner.

Bradninch failed again to clear their lines and Baker headed to Chris Down who attempted an overhead kick just falling wide.

Bradninch had a chance shortly after but failed to capitalise on a free kick just out the box. With five minutes to go in the first half, Chris Down made a break into the box and finished the shot just falling short hitting the outside of the post!

Half-time came and it seemed like it wasn’t Spreyton’s day.

Second half and Mark Baitup made a tactical change and went 3-5-2 to match Bradninch. We started well with chances coming quicker and a lot more fluent.

Baker and Tyler Cole working the Bradninch defence on the wings creating chances in the box but still couldn’t get the final touches to make it 1-0.

At 65 minutes in the Bradninch ‘keeper kicked the ball out, a ball was played into Chris Down who clashed with the ‘keeper and they had to make a tactical change.

Five minutes after the change Baker found himself again in front of goal and the replacement ‘keeper made a save and collected the ball, kicked a long ball up field where the Bradninch striker picked it up and flicked over our ‘keeper to go 1-0 up with 15 minutes to go.

Straight after that Baitup made changes bringing Jez Stephens and Ben Angel on to freshen up the side. Chances were coming thick and fast, Chris Down found himself in front of goal but again couldn’t find the trigger.

It really didn’t seem to be our day in front of goal. Kieran Statton come on with 10 minutes to go and shortly after the ball was fumbled over to the back post and seemed easier to finish than appeared but still our very own Kipper couldn’t finish to equalise.

With five minutes to go Jez Stephens found himself one-on-one and couldn’t flick over the ‘keeper. Whilst we were pushing to equalise Bradninch found themselves through on goal again but Chris Hawking pulled off the save to keep it 1-0. However, with two minutes to go Bradninch found themselves through again one-on-one - this time they found the net to finish up 2-0.

Overall, Baitup at the end, added that there is work to be done with the side as it wasn’t quite good enough, and shouldn’t be dropping points against sides that we know we can see off. Having said that Bradninch played the game well and took their three chances in the game well and took all three points.

Tomorrow, Saturday, September 30, Spreyton play in the Cup at home against Kentisbeare Seconds.

Matt Baker

TRAINING

Spreyton FC is on the hunt for local lads who are interested in getting involved in a growing club as it looks to expand next season to two or three sides.

Anyone who would like to get involved is welcome to go along to training from Wednesday, October 4 onwards throughout the winter at Crediton Lords Meadow Leisure Centre Astroturf from 8pm to 9pm.

For more information about getting involved please telephone Matt Baker on 07472 676 633.